The deputy leader of Salford council described how rubberstamping a savage £24m cuts package was ‘one of the saddest days’ he had ever seen in politics.

Labour councillor David Lancaster said the borough's most vulnerable people are set to bear the brunt of the cuts, which were approved by the city’s councillors as they set the budget for next year.

A turbulent meeting saw members trade insults as they took the axe to street cleaning, welfare and debt advice, child poverty funding and youth services.

Bosses said it was impossible to balance the books without hurting the young, old, poor and disabled. Mr Lancaster blamed the move on ‘ideological’ national funding cuts – adding that ‘people are suffering like they have never before’.

He said: “This is one of the saddest days I have ever seen in politics.

“Quite frankly I think this government is the worst I have ever seen in terms of vulnerable people.”

The budget – which also includes a council tax freeze – will cut 300 more jobs on top of 600 last year.